I’m glad that Pappas Bros. Steakhouse really uses their massive wine cellar. While other high-end eateries present highly populated lists or display a large inventory of wine, Pappas Bros. services their customers and parlays their 2,000+ choice cellar into multiple formats of wine tastings. One of the best is the monthly tasting of several wines with themes chosen by Wine Director Barbara Werley, MS. The first of the 2012 tastings took place last Friday. The theme was Cabernet Sauvignon – Everybody’s Favorite Varietal. I attended as an invited guest.
Werley confirms California Cabernet is the most popular wine category among the patrons at Pappas. So popular that she said she would have to check her records to find which of several also-rans came in second (white Burgundy is the likely contender). It was fitting that this tasting of a dozen Cabernet Sauvignons should focus on California. Nine of the wines in the tastings were produced in California. Those choices were rounded out with one Ozzie wine, a rosé from South Africa, and a sample from Washington State.
Follow me.
My faves were the 2007 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars “SLV”. Napa Valley, 2005 Geyser Peak Winery Block Collection ‘Walking Tree’, Alexander valley, Sonoma, 2008 Lewelling Vineyards, St. Helena, Napa and the 2011 Mulderbosch Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa. The latter is a very unusual treatment of the bar room bruiser of red grapes. It is a delicate and aromatic rosé ideal for spring days on the patio (they are coming back, honest!). All of the wines served are available on the Pappas Bros. wine list.
While Pappas’ wine team poured the wine to patrons from three serving tables, the wait staff toured the room dispensing heavy hors d’oeuvres. Tickets were $55, which is typically the price of these monthly events. To hear about future events, e-mail [email protected] and ask to be put on the list.
Two forays into their deep wine cellar are coming up in March: On March 2nd a Beringer Wine Dinner with winemaker Ed Sbragia and Fred Dame MS. On March 23rd What Would You Drink: Favorites of Pappas Bros. Sommeliers? is the next in the monthly tastings series. Call (214) 366-2000 to make reservations. A sellout for both is assured.
